On Monday 7th November the Basal Ganglia labs were visited by a class of graduate art students studying a Masters level course in Art and Science, at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design (University of the Arts London). These artists are interested in using science as an influence in their art practice.
A valuable component of the newly established research-based Masters course is the opportunity for artists to be exposed to and engage with scientists in various settings, including the laboratory. To demonstrate what a biomedical research lab is like, members of the Basal Ganglia lab shared with the group our research themes, techniques, equipment and experiences of being scientific researchers, through discussions and lab demonstrations.
Feedback was positive all round, with lots of interesting questions asked. While the artists appreciated the often beautiful imagery produced through our investigations, they were also fascinated by the information we can obtain through microscopic analyses and the craftsmanship involved in a lot of the meticulous preparation that goes into our lab work.
It is anticipated that a sub-group of these artists will continue to work with individuals in the Unit in a sustained collaboration, to develop outcomes relating to neuroscience and work done in the lab. This will hopefully lead to a public exhibition next year. Watch this space.
